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Sam

There’s something about holding a book, the smell of it as you turn the pages and venture into a completely different reality,leaving yours behind. I was always the quiet, shy kid more interested in the library than the playground. I've been on a few adventures through out my life but I always find myself back in this gorgeous town. I’m happy to be home; I’m not as quiet, my room has grown into a library of my own, and I’m grateful to be working with people that love books just as much as I do.

Spoon is one of those children books that I would recommend not only to children but several adults. It's a clever tale that incorporates a strong sense of family with an underlying message of self acceptance. Spoon has always been a happy utensil but lately has been feeling like his life just isn't the best compared to his friends. Who wouldn't want to be a fork that gets to go everywhere? Or what about the exotic chopsticks? But what do they think of spoon? Spoon is reminded of the unique things that make him special too. I can't wait for the sequel, Chopsticks, coming January 31st!

Three time Caldecott Honor winner, Mo Willems, has captured my heart once again. Listen To My Trumpet is the latest story in the adorable Piggie & Elephant series. Piggie attempts to wow Elephant with her shiny, loud trumpet. With a fun twist at the end, it contains a great message about what true friendship is all about. The illustrations are simple yet entertaining. It's a book that I would not only recommend to children but adults as well.

"What are you thinking, Amy? The question I've asked most often during our marriage, if not out loud, if not to the person who could answer. I suppose these questions storm-cloud over every marriage: What are you thinking? How are you feeling? Who are you? What have we done to each other? What will we do?"
From first glance Gone Girl looks like an over told story; Nick, the hard working husband, kills the beautiful wife, Amy, to free himself of their horrible marriage. It is much more than that though. Flynn manages to create characters that seem so real, that you could almost picture them in your life. There isn't necessarily a "good character" but you can emotionally connect with them so much that you still love them. Flynn weaves the story of Amy's disappearance through Nick's narrative and Amy's diary entries. At first this provides you with the benefit of both perspectives. As you read on, it leaves you questioning what to really believe.
Flynn masterfully twists and turns this suspenseful plot, keeping you guessing until the very end. You will be surprised again and again, and then once more.

Published: Random House Books for Young Readers - September 24th, 2013

"You would think I'd never jumped off a cliff before, based on how long I stood there." Isn't that a fantastic first line?! Normally, I can't get into post-apocalyptic books. I've tried and tried but I just can't bring myself to finish them. I'm so happy I tried again! I was immediately drawn in by the fascinating world Peggy Eddleman created in this new series for children. Twelve year old Hope is the only one in White Rock who can't invent; a very important skill after the "green" bombs of WWIII destroyed everything. The green bombs have left deadly bands of compressed air that the town calls "the Bomb's Breath." The Bomb's Breath keeps people out but also traps the people of White Rock in. When Bandits learn that White Rock has invented priceless antibiotics, they find a way in and attack. The town has two choices: hand over the antibiotics or fight the bandits and wish for the best. Hope has another plan though. It's up to her and her friends to escape and make the dangerous trip over the snow-covered mountains and through a deadly blizzard to get help. It's a fantastic read from start to finish!

David Ezra Stein is most famously known for his award winning book, Interrupting Chicken, which was awarded a Caldecott Honor. If you haven't read his newest picture book Dinosaur Kisses, yet then you're really missing out! I must warn you though, reading this book will cause extreme laughter and silliness! Dinah the dinosaur is learning how to kiss. She is good at many things, but kissing is not one of them. Instead she can WHOMP, CHOMP, and STOMP!! However, when her baby brother is born she quickly finds the perfect way to give a dinosaur kiss. Children and adults will have a blast reading this book aloud!